Achievements of 20 Years of Cambodian Fencing on the International Stage
Phnom Penh, 21 October 2026
Fencing has been present in Cambodia since the 1960s. However, due to the civil war, the sport was re-established in 2006 on the initiative of H.E. Lieutenant General Chao Phirun, H.E. Meas Sarin, along with former fencers from the 1960s: Mr. Mam Khan Ron, Mr. Huy San, and Mr. Khlot Ratana.
As of 2026, the re-established Fencing Federation of Cambodia has reached its 20th anniversary. During this period, the federation has produced approximately 400 male and female fencers. Among them, about 20% switched sports, transitioned into coaches, referees, fencing officials, or stopped fencing to pursue a new career due to living conditions or health issues. Additionally, we have foreign-national fencers who are Cambodian-foreign nationality descent joining us, including:
5 Khmer-American fencers,
2 Khmer-French fencers
3 Khmer-Italian fencers
2 Khmer-Filipino fencers
1 Khmer-Canadian athlete
2 Khmer-Kazakh fencers
1 Khmer-Korean athlete
1 Khmer-Australian athlete
For some of them, you can find their rankings on the FIE website.
Nevertheless, even though Cambodia's fencing team has not yet achieved widespread prominence, we have brought several accomplishments to the nation. Those achievements began in 2003 during the Southeast Asian Fencing Championship in Brunei, where Cambodia won the first and the only one bronze medal in the Men's Epee Team event. The team consisted of Hang Chetha, San Sokseyha, and Judd Metha (Cambodian-American).
Winning this medal led to the recognition of Cambodian fencing by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, which subsequently included fencing in the official national team.
With the support of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Cambodian fencing took the opportunity to strengthen its capabilities, organize competitions, and participate in more events. Since 2003, we have participated in various competitions—ranging from open tournaments, cups, and championships, SEA Games, Asian Games, University Games, University Championships, Youth Championships, and other international events around the world.
Through these events, the Cambodian fencing team achieved success by earning a total of around 60 medals (gold, silver, and bronze). Among these, gold medals were awarded in events such as the Asian University Fencing Championship, the Southeast Asian University Games, and the Southeast Asian Fencing Championship, among others.
Furthermore, the federation has hosted Southeast Asian and open-level events, including the 32nd SEA Games in 2023 in Cambodia and the Western Cup (Open Category).
